Classics in the Parks Series Features Free Performances in Wide Range of Disciplines from Local Companies this Fall

Classics in the Parks Series Features Free Performances in Wide Range of Disciplines from Local Companies this Fall

10/7/2013

From ballet to opera in a pool to traditional art forms from around the globe, the Chicago Park District in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events kicks off the interdisciplinary Classics in the Parks series this fall featuring local companies in an eclectic interpretation of classical performances. Participating companies include The Joffrey Academy, The Gift Theatre, Chicago Opera Theater, Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts and In the Spirit. All performances are admission free. Availability is on a first come, first-served basis as space allows.

Following is the Classics in the Parks schedule:

The Joffrey Academy of Dance
Tradition and Innovation
Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., 773-256-0149
No advance reservations required.
This program is made up of six eclectic pieces, ranging from masterpieces of classical ballet to edgy contemporary dance. The Joffrey Academy of Dance is the official school of The Joffrey Ballet. Students are selected to participate in the Joffrey’s trainee program by invitation from The Joffrey Ballet and academy artistic directors. More information here.

The Gift Theatre
H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, A Radio Drama
Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.
Nov. 7-8 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 9 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West
Advance reservations are recommended. Call The Gift at 773-283-7071.
This re-creation of Orson Welles’ production of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds will feature live music and Foley artists as it celebrates the golden age of American radio. It also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the original broadcast, infamous for convincing people that Martians were invading. The mission of The Gift is to tell great stories onstage with honesty and simplicity. More information here.

Chicago Opera Theater
Orpheus and Euridice
Composed by Ricky Ian Gordon
Conducted/directed by Andreas Mitisek
7:30 p.m. performances on Friday, Nov. 1; Sunday, Nov. 3; Friday, Nov. 8; and Sunday, Nov. 10
Eckhart Park pool, 1330 W. Chicago Ave.
Advance reservations recommended. Call 312-704-8414 or visit www.chicagooperatheater.org.
The Greek myth of Orpheus’s journey to the underworld for his wife Eurydice is uniquely presented as a multi-media opera in a pool that will transport attendees into the River Styx with a liquid stage and an unparalleled experience. Chicago Opera Theater is an innovative, nationally recognized opera company that inspires a diverse community through immersive and thought-provoking opera experiences. More information here.

Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts
Saraswathi Ranganathan on Veena
Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., 773-638-1766
Additional dates, acts and locations to be announced.
No advance reservations required.
Kalapriya presents a program reflecting the rich tapestry of classical Indian music and dance. Each performance will showcase local and national acts, including south Indian artist Saraswathi Ranganathan who kicks off the series playing veena, an Indian string instrument. Additional artists and locations to be announced. More information on Kalapriya here.

In the Spirit
An ensemble of storytellers and percussionists will combine classic African American literature with music. Details to be announced.

About Classics in the Parks

Classics in the Parks is presented as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Park District. Arts programming in neighborhoods across the city advances the goals of the Chicago Cultural Plan. For more information, visit chicagoculturalplan.org.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.